Sunday

Dec 29, 2013 at 12:51 PM

AE's decision to liftPhil Robertson's suspension fromDuck Dynastywas a response to the more than 260,000 fans whosigned a petitionat IStandWithPhil.com, demanding Robertson's reinstatement, according to the creators of the site.Faith Driven Consumer, the organization that spearheaded the petition, posteda statementfrom ...

A&E's decision to lift Phil Robertson's suspension from Duck Dynasty was a response to the more than 260,000 fans who signed a petition at IStandWithPhil.com, demanding Robertson's reinstatement, according to the creators of the site.

Faith Driven Consumer, the organization that spearheaded the petition, posted a statementfrom founder Chris Stone to its site on Friday, responding to A&E's decision to bring Phil back. "Today's decision by A&E to reinstate Phil Robertson to Duck Dynasty is in direct response to the powerful and engaged voices of millions of Faith Driven Consumers, as highlighted by more than 260,000 signers of the IStandWithPhil.com petition," the statement reads.

Duck Dynasty fans launch petition to bring Phil Robertson back

A&E placed Robertson on an "indefinite hiatus" from the reality show earlier this month, in the wake of comments he made in a GQ interview disparaging LGBT peopleand African-Americans. On Friday, the network reversed its decision, saying "Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man's views."

However, Faith Driven Consumer isn't satisfied by the network's decision to have Phil return, and wants its voice to be heard by A&E going forward.

A&E lifts suspension of Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson

"Despite our celebration, we remain uncertain of A&E's true intent," Stone writes. "Faith Driven Consumers are left wondering whether A&E considers us to be a part of America's rich rainbow of diversity. Do they also now embrace the biblically based values and worldview held by the Robertson family and millions of Faith Driven Consumers?"

In its own statement about Robertson's return, A&E said it would work with advocacy groups to launch a public service campaign promoting tolerance and acceptance.

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"Faith Driven Consumers will remain vigilant as we measure whether A&E's actions reflect true tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect - including their equal embrace of our biblically based values and deeply held beliefs," according to Stone.